SCM co-organises high-level forum on international standard for ginseng

18 June 2015

The School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) joined hands with the Ginseng International Standard Science and Technology Alliance in hosting a high-level forum on international standard for ginseng in Hong Kong on 18 June 2015 for scholars and experts in the field to explore ways and means to advance the study and formulation of international standard for ginseng, foster the development of the ginseng industry in China and raise the scientific and technological level of professionals engaged in the study of ginseng.

At the Forum, the experts conducted in-depth discussions on problems arising from the current ginseng standards and suggestions of conducting thorough and systematic studies of both the quality standard and commodity grade standard for ginseng, taking into account its seeds and saplings, growth years, appearance characteristics, microscopic identification features, chemical composition and effect, gene sequencing, biological marker and safety. Professor Lu Aiping updated the participants on the discussion at the 6th plenary meeting of the International Organisation for Standardisation Technical Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine (ISO/TC249), and proposed that a report on the international standards for ginseng be filed with ISO/TC249 as soon as possible. Jilin Zixin Pharmaceutical Industial Co. Ltd., the sponsor of the Forum, introduced the operation of its business including growing ginseng, research and development and production and sales as well as its development prospect.

Ginseng International Standard Science and Technology Alliance was established in 2014 by the Research Center of Resources of Chinese Materia Medica of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in collaboration with over 10 research institutions and enterprises which aims to advance the formulation of international standards for ginseng from both the perspectives of research development and business development. The inaugural meeting of the Alliance was held in Jilin province last year.